The former NUFC favourite who looks set to secure a shock return to the Premier League in January

Some interesting news emerging surrounding former NUFC star Hatem Ben Arfa, with widespread reports suggesting he is being lined up for a shock return to the Premier League with Leicester City in January.

New Leicester boss Claude Puel brought the best out of the enigmatic Frenchman during their time together at Nice in the 2015/16 season, seeing Ben Arfa register an outstanding 17 goals and 6 assists.

The 30-year old is severely out of favour with PSG and looks set to be made available by the French giants in January, and whilst some NUFC fans have hoped to see Benitez make a move for the former wing wizard, I can categorically say that this won’t be happening.

A player of his temperament and unpredictability is hardly a ‘Rafa Benitez’ player in a team built on organisation, hard work and discipline!

Here’s what Leicester’s new boss Claude Puel had to say about the ex-NUFC man when asked about his possible arrival at the King Power stadium this winter:

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“Hatem is someone I appreciate equally as a player and a person. ‘I don’t have any concerns about Hatem’s form. I have met him from time to time, and we have talked.

“I even played alongside him in a variety club charity game last month.”

As we said, Puel brought the best out of Hatem during their time together at Ligue 1 side Nice, and he appears to be viewed by the 56-year-old as a possible replacement for star winger Riyad Mahrez – who has been linked with a move away in January.

It’d certainly be ‘interesting’ to see him back in the Premier League!

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